Principal FPGA Image Pipeline Engineer

At Alcon, we are driven by the meaningful work we do to help people see brilliantly. We innovate boldly, champion progress, and act with speed as the global leader in eye care. Here, you'll be recognized for your commitment and contributions and see your career like never before. Together, we go above and beyond to make an impact in the lives of our patients and customers.

We foster an inclusive culture and are looking for diverse, talented people to join Alcon. As a Principal FPGA Image Pipeline Engineer supporting Research & Development of Alcon's Surgical Instrumentation in Goleta, CA, you will be trusted to assist in the design of next-gen surgical cameras used in eye surgery.

In this role, a typical day will include:

• Designing Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) logic using VHDL or Verilog, write test benches for functional simulation.
• Writing timing constraints to close timing on FPGA designs.
• Developing image processing pipeline on FPGA to interface with DDR memories.
• Interfacing FPGA to external hardware peripherals, including high resolution image sensors, temperature sensors, flash memories, etc.
• Programming embedded processors using C language.
• Organize weekly stand-up meeting and be the technical lead of the team
• Testing embedded system through UART/RS-232, J-tag debugger, LEDs, oscilloscope, logic analyzer, etc.
• Developing firmware following Agile Design Methodology. Using version control to commit and push firmware code. Performing code review through pull request.
• Writing detailed design documentation.
• Maintaining automated FPGA build and test platform by scripting.
• Creating host computer test tools or scripts using C/C++ or python to test embedded systems.
• Working with Electrical Engineering team to review FPGA board schematics and layout.
• Working with software developers for software/hardware interfacing.
• Providing guidance to mentor junior FPGA engineers.
• Interacting with other departments within Alcon, and external vendors, suppliers.
• Communicating to vendor field application engineers (FAE) efficiently to receive technical support.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO ALCON:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +13 yrs; Assoc.+9 yrs; M.S.+2 yrs; PhD+0 yrs)
• The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English
• 5 Years of Relevant Experience
• Relocation and Visa Sponsorship: Yes

PREFERRED:

• Demonstrated expertise in FPGA design and development, including memory interfacing, finite state machine (FSM) architectures, timing optimization, and timing closure methodologies.
• Advanced proficiency with FPGA development, simulation, and verification tools, including Xilinx ISE/Vivado, Intel Quartus, Microchip Libero SoC, Model Sim, and/or Questa.
• Strong programming and hardware description language skills, including VHDL, Verilog/System Verilog, C/C++, and Python.
• Experience providing technical leadership or guidance within FPGA design and development environments.
• Working knowledge of communication interfaces and protocols, including I2C, SPI, and UART/RS-232.
• Experience utilizing version control systems and software development best practices to support collaborative engineering efforts.
• Experience using terminal communication applications such as Hyper Terminal, Tera Term, or comparable tools.
• Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and troubleshoot electronic schematics and printed circuit board (PCB) layouts.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with electronic test and measurement equipment, including oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, signal generators, logic analyzers, and related tools.
• Strong hardware debugging and root‑cause analysis skills, including troubleshooting at the printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) level.

HOW YOU CAN THRIVE AT ALCON:

• Join Alcon's mission to provide top-tier, innovative products and solutions to enhance sight & enhance lives.
• Grow your career in a highly collaborative and diverse environment.
• Alcon provides robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, paid time off, and much more!

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